Tesla Model 3 (Long Range) or Toyota RAV4 Hybrid E-XPERIENCE 2x4 — which is cheaper to own?

By the EVCostIQ research desk · checked against our public methodology · every source on this page is dated

Over 5 years in Israel (15,000 km/year), the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid E-XPERIENCE 2x4 is still cheaper to own — about ₪242,839 versus ₪263,261 for the Tesla Model 3 (Long Range), a gap of ₪20,422. As of 1 July 2026.

EV purchase tax — rising, and not a perk: unlike most countries, Israel has no purchase incentive for electric cars — the opposite. Purchase tax on electric passenger cars (BEV) rose to 48% in 2026 (from 45% in 2025; before 2025 it was 35%), and the tax-exempt slice of the car's price was cut to NIS 22,000 (from NIS 30,000 in 2025). The Treasury even tried to raise it to 52%, but the Knesset Finance Committee stopped it at 48%. This is a headwind that pushes up BEV sticker prices — we show it as context only and never deduct it from the total cost (deducting it would flatter the electric car unfairly). The shovi shimush usage value (a tax benefit) for a company EV stands at about NIS 1,350 a month (2025) — the temporary provision has been extended unchanged until the end of 2028. Sources: Times of Israel / Globes / Israel Tax Authority gov.il, as of 1 July 2026. Confirm the tax rate and the threshold for each model before you buy.